I see you. She see's me.
Besties, books and stuff i'm loving...
I’m writing to you from my couch. I have damp, newly washed hair, and i’m wearing an oversized nightie I got for Christmas from mum. Which is tradition, a new new pair of pyjamas every year for Christmas. This past weekend I went on a little mini break to quite literally galivant in a field of flowers with my most best person. She is an exquisite photographer who I asked to take new author shots of me in preparation for the West Side Honey release next month and well, we had the best time, and now I have this declarative beautiful deeply loving artistic record of this day, but also of this relationship, because when I look at the photos she took of me I feel so seen. But also seen in a totally new way because this is how she see’s me. And looking at me through her eyes has caused a little revelation in my being about the ways we trick ourselves into believing that we are unlovable, or unworthy. I wish everyone could have this experience, to see yourself through the eyes of the person, or people, who love you most.
I mean…
And…
If you’re in Melbourne check out her Instagram and her website because she’s just the fucking best and we should take photos and document our lives. Yes. Yes, we should. Jacq believes in no bullshit, and making sure that everyone has affordable access to rad pictures of themselves and their gang. Gang of Babes Photography, I adore you.
Today I got to hold the final copy of West Side Honey in my hands at my publishers office, got to gift a copy to my best, watch her face as she read the dedication to her and her brilliant dad, as she read the acknowledgments, and saw her headshot she took of me last year on the back of the book. We both teared up with joy. She was the reason for the initial seed for the idea of this novel. I got through the chaos of 2020 because I showed up at my computer every day to write words of this book, which I’d record myself reading, and send to her every day. She has literally been by my side, holding my hand, from day one. I should call it our book. I’ve created a little mini six week celebratory series called West Side Honey Wednesdays a podcast series that i’ll release here. Here’s the first episode and rundown. This week will see the first of a series i’m calling Dear Best, where I’ve asked some of my pals to write a love letter to their best friend, read it aloud and then we chat about friendship, platonic love and whatever else takes my fancy. The conversations are dazzling and intimate and i’m really proud of them, so do listen.
In other book news i’ve announced my Meanjin book launch at the beautiful Avid Reader if you fancy coming please book a spot. I’ll be in conversation with my beautiful bestie David Burton and I am excited.
Now, in a travel weary, slightly run down please don’t be a cold vibe…here’s a rundown of the things i’m consuming of late in case you need any recommendations…
Things I’m listening to…
The First Time Pod with Kate Mildenhall and Katherine Collette has just started Season Six and it’s a bloody glorious romp about writing, ideas, friendship, authors. I love Katherine and Kate so much.
I also adored this Under the Skin podcast episode with Russel Brand and Brene Brown they talk about so much but the deliciousness about compassion and accountability and boundaries is so good. I’ve been thinking a lot about compassion lately, which i’ll distill into a post soon, but the central premise is this pondering…we mustn’t forget that everyone, yes everyone, is always doing the best they can.
Things I’m watching…
Go and see Women Talking by Sarah Powell. That’s all i’m going to say about it for now. I thought it was deeply moving and profound, heartbreaking and hopeful. Watch the trailer first, or listen to this We Can Do Hard Things podcast episode with Sarah if you want to know more. Content Warning about sexual assault and abuse.
Things I’m reading…
I’m currently reading The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by the deliriously magical Holly Ringland. My Dad and I have decided to read the same books a few times this year - and he’s already finished and I’m about half way through - but it’s just delicious. I’m also reading Buy Yourself The Fucking Lillies by Tara Schuster which I think is a great read for twenty-something women - lots of revelatory gems about taking up space and healing.
Things I’m cavorting…
Right now i’m really drooling over buying myself a new pair of running sneakers and a fitness watch because i’m week six into my learning to run program and these things would be really helpful. The running program is going well. It’s hard and I am truly stretching my edges of what I thought was possible. I’m re-wiring and changing stories in my head and it’s exactly the embodied challenge - the collision of mind, body and spirit I desired. I wanted to do something that phsyically challenged me and put myself out of my comfort zone - and my goodness I am so uncomfortable but also loving it.
I’m also swooning over a green and white checkered dog bed for Midge that’s shaped like a couch and if that isn’t the most adorable thing ever then I don’t know what is. That fucking algorithm nailed that one.
Big, big love to you beautiful pearlescent ones. I see you. And I hope you take a couple of minutes this week to ponder how the ones you know adore you see you…because that shit is game changing.
Love.
Claire.
PLAY DATES
I’ve got two more Play Date workshops coming up at the end of March, and early May…check it out if you wanna hang out for two hours on line and creatively dilly dally with me.